Merrimack Parks and Recreation holds its Halloween festivities

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Despite the soaking rain, princesses, witches, ghouls, superheroes and even the Statue of Liberty found their way to Wasserman Park on Saturday, Oct. 24, for the Parks and Recreation Department’s 17th annual Halloween event. Joining in the festivities of the day, the Merrimack Police Department, local nonprofit organizations and community groups volunteered time and talents to offer families a festive community event.

The Merrimack Police Department started the festivities of the day with pumpkin painting, games and a costume parade showcasing all of the children’s creative costumes. First-place winner, Alyssa Jobin, captured the American spirit and the judges’ hearts with her original Statue of Liberty costume.

Kate Grinnell, along with her Girl Scout Troop 10771, brought her artistic talent offering free face-painting. Many students from the Merrimack Interact Club volunteered their time to provide support throughout the day. Volunteers from Merrimack Friends and Family did an excellent job putting together the spooktacular Haunted House, which provided hours of entertainment for all who were brave enough to enter.

Members of the Rotary Club of Merrimack, Kids Kove Rebuild and the Watson Park Committee shared a wealth of information to increase public awareness on their ongoing projects. Jackie Flood, chairwoman of the Watson Park committee, brought the public up to date on the current status of Watson Park with a map showcasing the finalized conceptual design for the park. Frank Dunn and Colleen Farley, of the Rotary Club of Merrimack, along with their volunteers, offered Kids Kove Krunch made by Swan’s Chocolates and T-shirts. Proceeds from the sale of these items will go to the Kids Kove Rebuild Fund. Other volunteers included Mary Johnson of Grace Baptist Church, Michele Lehtinen, president of the Merrimack Lioness Club, who, along with a group of people, was selling hot chocolate and hot apple cider to raise money to support Operation Santa, which provides items for needy families in the community, as well as the Lion’s Scholarship Fund, which provides a scholarship to a Merrimack High School Senior planning to pursue an education in a profession that helps the community.

Judy Eriksen, the public awareness chairwoman for Crime Line, shared information on the importance of Crime Line. All proceeds from its concession sales will be used to support the Anonymous Tip Hotline at the police department.

Merrimack Friends and Family sold chili and nachos using the recipe of the winner in the chili cook-off contest. All proceeds from the haunted house and chili sales went directly to the Merrimack Friends and Families Charitable Fund. John Hodge and Chris Wright, from Faith Episcopal Church, shared information about Wheeler Church, which is owned by the town of Merrimack and is available for rent. For information on Wheeler Church rentals, call Dave Rogers at 424-1053. The Merrimack Parks and Recreation Department would like to thank everyone who helped put on the event to help make the day a success.